Apparatus for gun mounting, laying, and sighting for artillery on aeroplanes



ug E. SCHNEIDER APPARATUS FOR GUN MOUNTING, LAYING, AND SIGHTING FOR ARTILLERY ON AEROPLANES Filed June 50, 1923 ll Sheets-Sheet 1 NQ 4/ m IFII :A. NH /Q m,m\\ Pl. w

L11/evian di ml L 16 1927. I 1,638,952 Aug E. SCHNEIDER APPARATUS FOR GUN MOUNTING, LAYING, AND SIGHTING FOR ARTILLERY 0N AEROPLANES Filed June 50, 1923 11 Sheets-Sheet 2 16 1927, 1,638,962 Aug E. SCHNEIDER APPARATUS FOR GUN MOUNTING, LAYING, AND SIGHTING 'FOR ARTILLERY ON AEROPLANES Flled June 30, 1923 11 Sheets-Sheet 3 lvl. Il

- 1. 2 1,638,962 Aug 16 9 7 E. SCHNEIDER APPARATUS FOR GUN MOUNTING, LAYING, AND SIGHTING FOR ARTILLERY ON AEROPLANES Filed June 30, 1923 1l Sheets-Sheet '4 1,638,962 Aug' 16 1927' E. SCHNEIDER APPARATUS FOR GUN MOUNTING, LAYING, AND SIGHTING FOR ARTILLERY ON AEROPLANES Filed June 50 1923 ll Sheets-Sheet 5 l1 Sheets-Sheet 6 Aug. 16, 1927.

APPARATUS FOR GUN MOUNTING, LAYING, AND SIGHTING Fon 1,638,962 Aug. 16 1927 E, SCHNEIDER APPARATUS FOR GUN MOUNTING, LAYING, AND SVIGHTING FOR ARTILLERY ON AEROPLANES Filed June 30, 1925 11 Sheets-Sheet '7 ll Sheets-Sheet 8 il /M s SCHNEIDER ARTILLERY O N AEROPLANES Filed June 30, 1923 APPARATUS FOR GUN MOUNTING, LAYING, AND SIlGl-ITING FOR Aug. 16, 1927.

TING FOR E. SCHNEIDER MOUNTING, LAYING, AND SIGH Aug. 16, 1927.

APPARATUS FOR GUN ARTILLERY ON AEROPLANES Filed June 5o, 1925 11 sheets-Sheet 9 1.1 Sheets-Sheet lO m 3 R M2 E ww D RO. E M3 N e N H Om C YJ S Rd we E nu TF APPARATUS FOR GUN MOUNTING, LAYING, AND SIGHTING FOR Aug, 16, 1927.

1,638,962 E. SCHNEIDER LAYING, AND sIGHTING FoR ARTILLERY oN AEROPLANES APPARATUS FOR GUN MOUNTING,

Filed June 30, 1923 ll Sheets-Sheet l1 wvl/IWW /lIIllIl/IIl/Il Patented Aug. 16, 1927.,

EUGENE SCHNEIDER, F PARIS, FRANCE, ASSIGNOR TO SCHNEIDER & CIE., OF PARIS, FRANCE, A. LIMITED JOINT-STOCK COMPANY OF FRANCE.

APPARATUS FOR GUN MOUNTING, LAYING, AND SIGHTING FOR RTILLERY 0N AEROPLANES.

Application leg .Tune 30, 1923, Serial No. 648,833, and in France May 8, 1929.

In thediiierent constructional forms oi. the invention described in my U. S. Patent No. 1,583,858, dated May 11, 1926, and entitled Gun mounting, laying and sighting arrangement for artillery on aeroplanes, it has been assumed that the tiring was effected from a gun mounted on an aeroplane which was flying at a determined altitude and travelling in a straight line in the vertical plane passing through the target to be hlt.

The present invention consists in different constructional formsof the main invention hereinbefore referred to, which shall be applicable in the case when the aeroplane flies at a constant altitude but in a vertical plane, which, instead of passing exactly through the target, is at a certain distance therefrom.

In order to allow of accurate tiring under these conditions according to the present in- 2U vention the mounting is arranged in s uch a manner that the sighting apparatus comprised therein may be oriented duringr iiight so as to be located within the inclined plane passing through the line of flight .and the target. Further, the mounting comprises the apparatus necessary for the automatic correction which should be given to the laying of the gun, in order to take account of the inclination of the sighting apparatus due to the distance of the target fromrthe vertical plane through the line'of iiight.

The invention will be readily understood by reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating three embodiments of the present invention, and whereinl Figures 1 to 8 represent an arrangement of the mounting, of the gunlaying mechanism and the sighting apparatus and also comprising the new means hereinbefore referred to.

Figure 1 is a plan of the improved mounting partly in section, the gun being shown in a vertical position.

Figure 2 is a. partial sectional elevation taken on the line 2 2 of Fig. 1, the gun being shown in an inclined position for firing in the direction of flight of the aeroplane.

Figure 3 is a partial sectional elevation taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

Figure 4 is a. sectional elevation analogous to Fig. 3, but showing the parts in a different position.

Figure 5 is a sectional plan of a detail on a larger scale.

Figures 6 and 7 are sections taken respectively on the lines 6-6 and 7 7 of Fig. 5.

Figure 8 is a diagram explaining the Working of a part of the apparatus.

Figures 9 to 18 inclusive, show a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 9 and 10 illustrate the arrangement of the mounting respectively in lan partly in section, and inl elevation, partly in section, Fig. 10 being on the line 10-10 of Figure 9;

Figures 11 and 12 are transverse sections on the line 11-11 of Figure 10 respectively, showing the parts in two dili'erent working positions;

Figure 13 shows on an enlar ed scale, a sectional elevation oit' a detail taen on line 13413 of Figure 9;

f the sighting apparatus;

Figures 19 to 23. inclusive, illustrate another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 19 is a plan view, partly in section;

Figure 20 is a longitudinal sectional elevation taken on the line 20e-20 of Figure 19;

Figure 21 is a 'transverse section taken on the line 21*21 of Figure 19, in which the gun is shown with its axis in the horizontal position and-the frame in which the cradle oscillates is consequently shown in the vertical position;

Figure 22 is a section analo ous to that of Figure 21 but the frame in wich the cradle oscillates is in this view shown in horizontal position, the cradle being shown as inclined transversely as within this frame;

Figure 23 is a sectional elevation of a detail ci the mechanism for deviating the reflecting entryprism of the sighting .apparatus; and

Figure 24 is a partial plan of a modification of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 19 to 23 inclusive.

The arrangement comprises, as in the constructional forms of Figs. 7 to 14 of my Pat-l ent No. 1,583,858, a frame A running by means of rollers a on a divided circular rolling track A1. A` second frame B is suspended by means of trunnions b rotating in bearings on the first frame A, so that this second frame B can thus oscillate about the longitudinal axis of the first frame A. Within the frame B and about an axis perpendicular to the axis 5 5, the cradle C of the gun is pivotally mounted by means of trunnions Thus the cradle C is mounted by means of a cardan suspension within a frame A, which is itself adapted to pivot about a vertical axis.

The arrangement- ,likewise comprises a. mechanism for pivoting the frame A so as to permit the latter to be displaced in such a manner that its longitudinal axis will lie within the vertical plane passing through the line of light. This vertical plane of flight is inclined at the angle A to the axis -m of the aeroplane (see eFig. 23 vof the patent above referred to). In the new construction the above mechanism is arranged so that it may be actuated by the pilot, and with this object may comprise a pinion b (Fig. 9) engaging with a toothed sector B1 formed on the frame A. The mechanism v movement to the helical wheel B* is housed in the box D (Fig. 1) which acts as a support for the sighting apparatus E. The box support D is mounted by -means of a socket d, in the bearing of one of the trunnions b of the frame B.

The support D for the sighting apparatus should be ada ted to receive transverse inclinations at t e same .time as the cradle C, but this latter together with the frame B should always be adapted to receive transverse inclinations independent of the sup--E port D.n A connection is established between the support D and the frame B, by means 'of an arm D1, which -is formed as a projection from the box D and is provided at its free extremity with aA sector having helical teeth d1, which gear with a worm A1 rotatabl mounted in the' frame A in the plane whic is normal to A:the longitudinal axis of the said frame and passes through the axis of lthe trunnions e of the cradle.

The arm D1 vhas a trunnionD2 engaging in one ofthe ends of a connecting rod F Whose other end engages by means of a spherical bearing f, with a cylindrical stud g formed as a projection on a nut Gr guided in an arm C2 rigidly connected with one of the trunnions .0 of the cradle C. The nut G is adapted to be displaced along a screw,

C3, which is rotatably C2 and is operable y means of a-handlwheel c3.

mounted in the arm tive to the worm A2, carrying along with it the arm D1 and the support D, thereby causing the sighting apparatus t-o rotate about the axis of the trunnions b. At the same time the connection F-G -etl'ects the rotation of the frame B about the same axis b-b. Consequently the sighting apparatus and the gun are inclined, at the same time and through the same angle, around they axis of the trunnions b-b.

As in the constructional forms described in the United States patent referred to above, within the box support D are arranged mechanisms (see Fig. 23) comprising an elevation camoid and a cam oid for the correction of the longitudinal action of the Wind, in such a manuel' that the elevation given to the gun by the elevating mechanism produces a deviation of the line of sight, corresponding to the whole of t-he corrections for elevation and of the longitudinal corrections for wind.

vThe elevating mechanism of the cradle C comprises a shaft D3 which is rotatably mounted in the box D, and is operable by means of a hand-Wheel d2. This shaft D3 carries a bevel wheel d3 which transmits its movement to a pinion d* keyed on a shaft D* arranged alon the axis of the trunnion b ofthe frame i on This shaft carries a worm Dl5 which gears with the .worm

wheel B. i

The movements of the shaft D* are transmitted to the reflecting entry prism ofthe objective of the sighting apparatus, said movements being suitably corrected by the intervention of the camoids for elevation and for correction of the` longitudinal action of the wind as in the constructional form 'of the Patent No. 1,583,858.

In the case when the aeroplane carries out its horizontal rectilinear flight in a plane which does not pass through the target, it is necessary that to the above corrections should be added those due to the distance between the target and the vertical plane through the line of Hight.

In order that the cradle C should be brought to the position suitable for firing during flight, it isnecessary to proce'ed as follows z- I By operating the hand-wheel a in the desired direction, the support D of the'sighting apparatus and the cradle of the mounting C are brought together asa whole into the inclined plane through the 4line of flight and the target. The reflecting entry prism of the sighting apparatus being thus brought into this plane, it will remain there during the course of the Hight, whatever inclination may be afterwards given to the cradle around the axis of the trunnions o, and further whatever the transverse inclination which may be given to the cradle by its rotation about the axis of the trunnions b.

The angle (Fig. 4) through which the whole of the sighting apparatus and the cradle has been turned, is equal to the angle of inclination, with reference to the vertical plane, of the plane through the line of Hight and the target.A This angle i is imparted to the apparatus by the gun server, who opcrates the hand-Wheel a2 at the same time as he sights the target. This angle is indicated in a multiplied manner on a graph H (Figs. 2 and 5 to 7) mounted on a shaft It carried bythe frame A. The shaft L is preferably arranged in the plane whichris normal to the frame A and which passes through the axis of the trunnionv b. A needle I is displaceably mounted on the graph H. The angular displacements imparted to the trunnion b are transmitted to -the shaft 72, and to the needle I with a suitable multiplication, by means. of a transmission comprising a toothed sector b3, rigidly connected to the trunnion b and gearing with a pinion a3, which is loose on a shaft carried by the frame A. This pinion a3 is rigidly connected to a toothed wheel a4, which gears with a pinion h1 keyed on the shaft h.

On the graph H concentric 'circles l, 2, 3

' etc. are traced corresponding to different altitudes of Hight. The needle I carries a series of laterally projecting indicators I1., I2, I3 etc.- respectively movable over the circles 1, 2, 3 etc. On the periphery of the disc H is traced ascale H1 whose graduations correspond to the different values of the angle of inclination z', which will be called hereinafter the angle of deviation. In bringing the cradle and the sighting apparatus into the plane of deviation, the needle I has been displaced on the graph-disc H. This operation being performed, the gun-server, by operating the hand-wheel 03, imparts an inclination to the cradle by rotating the frame B about the axis of the trunnions Z). The gun-server should incline the cradle, so that, by bringing the mark I1, I2 etc., (corresponding to the altitude of Hight) into coincidence with the' corresponding graduation, he makes the inclination of the cradle correspond to the value of the angle'z' read on the scale H1. If, for example, the aeroplane Hies at the altitude of Hight corresponding to the circle 3 of the graph, the gun-server should continue to operate th hand-wheel c3 until the moment when the mark I3 on the needle I comes opposite the graduation on the circle 3, corresponding to the angle z' of the'deviation of the needle. If the needle I is at the division 60, on the scale H1, it will be suHicient for the gun-server to bring the mark I3 onto the division 60 read on the circle 3. It is assumed that the graph H is so arranged that the transverse inclination, thus given to the cradle with reference to the sighting apparatus, acts tov suitably correct the elevation to correspond to the height of flight chosen.

A Second correction is necessary in order to take account of the influence of the wind. This correction of transverse inclination of the cradle, which isobtained by the rotation of the frame B around the axis of the trunnions b. may be effected beforehand. The graph H carries as a projection a graduated sector H2 whose graduations starting from a zero situated in k2, correspond respectively,

on the left to the positive values of the action of the wind,`and on the right to the negative values.

Knowing the direction and the value of the wind, the gun-server brings the corresponding graduation of H2 opposite a fixed index a5. The whole of the curves traced on the graph H are thereby displaced through the desired angle with reference to the needle I. This displacement is effected by actuating the controlling knurled knob Hs connected to a worm H4, which gears with helical teeth H5 formed on the graph-disc H.

With the apparatus described, in orde'.` to effect Hring from an aeroplane Hying at a constant altitude in a vertical plane not passing through the target, it is necessary to eH'ect the following operations:

As has been stated in the Patent No. 1,583,858, the gun-server first of all places into their desired positions the camoid for the correction of the elevation and the camoid for applying the correction due to the longitudinal action of the wind; the cradle is assumed to be inclined at the maximum angle to the vertical for example) in the direction of Hight.

in such a manner that the graduation of H2 corresponding to the given value .of the wind is brought opposite the .fixed mark a5. The gun-server seeks to direct the line of sight of the sighting apparatus on to the target. If `he does not see the target in the vertical plane of the line of Hight, he acts upon thc hand-wheel a2, in such a manner that thc whole of the cradle, the frame B and the J cradle and the support of the sighting'apf The graph H is -operated by means of the knurled knob H3,

lli;

y resulting from their connection with thel paratus, is read by the deviation which has automatically for all changes of laying,

starting from the time when the desired correction of deviation i1 (read on the corresponding curve of the plate H1) has been initially imparte-d to'the cradle by the gunserver acting on the hand-Wheel c3 and therebyfrotating the frame B around the axis of the trunnions b-L It has been seen that it was sufhcient to bring the m-ark I1, I2, I3 or the like on the needlev I, corresponding to the altitude of flightonto that curve of the disc H1, which corresponds to the value of z'. During firing, it has been'suiicient for the gun-server from that time to bring theline of sight on tothe target by operating the elevating handwheel d2.

In the elevating movement, the gun, insteadof pivoting 1n la plane, has its plane of rotation constantly deviated on account of the deviation of the axis of the trunnions c trunnion D2 through the connecting rod F,

' the ball and socket joint f and the studg.

In the diagram (Fig. 8') D2 indicates the projection of the axis o the trunnion D2; g indicates the projection of the axis of the stud g; the distance D2-' or more exactly the distance between the axis of D2 and the centre of the ball and socket joint f is constant. I it is assumed that the vertical plane through the line of flight passes exactly through the target, the parts being then arranged as is shown -in Fig. 3, then no deviation should be given to the cradle by rotation around the axis of the'trunnions b-b.y

It thereby 'follows that the cradle, in turning about the axis of the trunnions c, will turn l in a plane parallel to the connecting rod F.

But if. on the contrary, the vertical plane through the line of iight does netpass through the target, so that it has been necessary to incline the frame B and the support D in order to bring the line of sight into the `plane of deviation which is inclined at the angle i relative to the vertical plane through the line of flight, then the parts will have initially taken the position indicated at Fig. 4 (the gun. in this figure being shown as inclined at to the vertical). Then, a rotation of the cradle around the axis of the trunnions 0,-with the object of elevating it, can only be effected in combination with a forced and automatic secondary movement of the frame B about the axis of the trunnions b; the axis of the trunnion c on the right (Fig. 4) is in fact 'deviated angularly relative to the axis of the trunnion D2, and its projection has fallen from D2 to c, (Fig. 8) whereby the distance between the axis of c and the axis of g has been reduced. As the stud g necessarily turns around the axis of D2, there is thereby eeeted a rocking of the cradle around the axis of the trunnions b, which automatically corrects the clevationfor each position of the elevation.

Referring to the embodiment'ot the invention illustrated in Figures 9 to 18 inclusive, this arrangement comprises a frame A running by means of rollers a on a divided circular track A1. In bearings on this first frame A' there is suspended by means of trunnions I), a second frame B which may thus oscillate around the longitudinal axis of the frame A. Again as in the preceding example, the cradle of the mounting C is pivotally mounted by means of trunnions c within the frame B about an axis perpendicular to y the axis of the trunnions b. The mechanism which effects the turning of the frame A upon the track A1 is similar to that described in the preceding example. The mechanism for inclining the gun, by oscillating the cradle C about the axis of the trunnions 0, comprises two` toothed sectors C1, which are carried by the cradle and which gear with toothed wheels B2 carried by the shaft B8 rotatably mounted in the frame B. The sha-ft B3 carries 4aworm wheel B4 which gears with a worm B5 which is operable by means of a handle B6, the shank of' the screw B-being mounted in a bracket which is rigidly connected with the frame B.

The box D .which carries the sighting apparatus E is in this case rigidly connected with the frame B. The arrangement -comprises a mechanism for eiiz'ecting the inclination of the frame B by rotating it about the ,axis of the trunnions b, and thus bringing tion due tothe deviation. The sai mecha-A nism comprises a worm J rotatably mounted in a support J1 suitably guided 1n a slideway A3 rigidly connected with the frame A, the said support J1 being in engagement, by

vmeans of helical teeth -y'1, with a worm A4 which is rotatably mounted in the frameA, and is adapted to be operated by means of a handle A5. The screw J is also in engage- `ment with a sector with helical teeth B7,

formed on a projection of the frame B; and

CFI

- which, by means of aone-way clutch mechanism will be hereinafter described in detail, engages on a shaft N rotatably mounted in the box-support D. The shaft N carries a bevel wheel N1 which is in engagement with a pinion O1 keyed on a shaft O which is also rotatably mounted within the same support D. The shaft O carries, on tHe other hand, a worm O2 which engages with a worm sector P, which is guided by means of ribs p in the cap of the reflecting entryv prism Q of the objective, the ribs p having their centre at the centre of this spherical cap. g is the shaft which, through any suitable4 mechanism such as the camoids for elevation and for longitudinal corrections of the wind disclosed in my application referred to hereinbefore, receives angular' deviations which impart to the prism Q the deviation for inclination and the deviation corresponding to the longitudinal action of the wind.

If the parts are in the position indicated in Figs. 9, 10' and 11, where the gun is inclined at 60 to the vertical and in the directo add to the usual corrections for elevation` and for wind, those corrections which are due to the angular distance z' between the targety and the vertical plane -through the line of flight.

To effect this, the Worm J is first of all acted upon, by means of its operating handwheel, and this movement displaces the frame B and withthis latter, the support D of the sighting apparatus. But the movements of inclination thus imparted to the frame B, and consequently also to the trunnions c of the cradle, are'not transmitted in full to the reflecting-entry prism Q. The screw J 1 moves the nut K and through the latter the bell-crank lever K1 2. The arm K1 of the bell-crank levericauses a pull or a thrust as may be the case, upon the element L of the connect-ing rod L-L1., and this movement of pulling or thrust is transmitted to the lever M. A

The variable corrections which have to be given to the elevation,to allow for the distance between the vertical plane of flight and the target, are brought about by the variable deviation which isimparted .to the `prism Q during the elevating movements.

In order to effect these variable deviations of the prism Q a special gearing is provided between the shaft N and the axle Y (Figs. 13 and 14), which is connected with the movements of one of the trunnions c of the cradle. This special gearing comprises a shaft R which is rotatably mounted in the box D, and which has keyed thereon a toothed sector R1 engaging with a pinion N2, keyed on the shaft N. The sector R1 has rigidly attached thereto a stud R2, which rotatably engages within the bearing s atl one end of a connecting rod S, whose other end s1, is guided in a slideway y which is rigidly connected with the axle Y, and is formed as an arc of the circle having its centre on the axis of the shaft R.

Normally that is to say in the case when the vertical plane through the line of flight passes also through the target, the geometrical axis r of the stud R2 is in the prolonl gation of the geometrical axis of Y and of the trunnions 0 of the cradle. If the vertical plane through the line of flight is at a distance from the target,-then the sighting apparatus must be inclined into the plane of deviation by suitably operating the screw J,

and this operation, as already explained,

imparts a displacement to the prism Q through the transmission N-O1-O-O2-B The displacement given to Q at the same time effects a rotation of the sector R1 and this causes the end s1 of the connecting rod S to be displaced within the slideway y. Then, instead ofthe shaft ,r being in the prolongation of the axis 'of the trunnion c it is raised relative thereto through an angle, which varies according to the angle of deviation z'. If now withthe object'of firing, the inclination of the l gun is changed, by operating the elevating mechanism by means of the crank B, this produce-a a rotationv of the trunnion c, and consequently imparts a corresponding displacement to the shaft Y and to the connecting rod S, and thereby effects avchange of inclination of the shaft r and consequently a displacement of the prism Q through the transmission It follows therefrom that to each deviation of inclination of the gun there corresponds a displacement imparted to the reflecting entry prism Q of the sighting apparatus, and this displacement of the prism causes the gun-layer to bring the line of sight on to the target by imparting an inclination to the frame B around the trunnions b by means of the hand-wheel A5.

In order that the shaft N may be'rotated independently of the lever M during the movements transmitted to the prism Q by I the Yshaft Y, it is necessary that the connection between M and N may be effected through an automatic one-way clutch mechanism such for example as that represented in Figs. and 16.

When the hand-Wheel j? is operated in order to deviate the prism Q,. the transmission K--K1-K2-L--L1-M is acted upon at the same time and consequently an angular deviation is transmitted to the shaft N and consequently the .axis 1- of the stud R2 Will be raised by a quantity which varies according to the-angle of deviation z'. The complementary deviation thus given to the prism Q displaces the line of sight `from the target. In order to take account of this complementary correction (this deviation bein produced during the operation itself Whic consists in keeping the line of sight on the target), .the gun-serverhas only to concern himself with returning the line of sight on to the target, .this being effected by suitably operating the mechanism Ai for the ,transverse inclination of the training of the y un. He is then assured of having effected,

ring this operation, the`correction due to the deviation. Further he has automatically arran ed the members in such a Way that a variation in the inclination of the gun about the trunnions of the-cradle causes him by means of'an automatic deviation imparted to the prism Q, to eect the necessary corrections when he brings the line `of sight back on to the target.

In orderrthat the complementary corrections of deviation imparted to the prism Q, b the transmission N--O1-O-O2-P, may ave the desired value corresponding to the altitude of flight chosen and to the mean action of the Wind, the length of the connecting rod L-L1 is suitably adjusted before firing, so that there is imparted to the prism Q an initial deviation which is a function of the altitude of flight and of the said action of the Wind. The suitable adjustment of the len h of the connecting rod L-L1 can be e ected, for example, by the means representedon Figs. 17 and 18, On a fixed rod T, carried b the box D, is slidl ably mounted a first in ex T1, which is also guided in agroove u, provided in a drum' U, which engages as a nut on a screwthread of the element L of the connecting rod the drum U carries ascale u1 graduated in altitudes of flight, and it will be 'seen that if this drum is rotated in such a manner as to bring the desired division of the scale u1 opposite the mark T1, said drum Will be displaced upon a' first thread, then fixed, of the element of the connecting rod L, While the index T1 will slide Without turning on the rod T. This displacement will at the same time impart movement to a second drum V, in a groove "v, of which there is engaged an index Tz also sliding on the rod T. The drum V is graduated in Wind corrections and engages as a nut on a screwan angular displacement of one drum Wit-l1 reference to the other is possible While any longitudinal displacement of `one of the drums effects a corresponding displacement of the other. Finally when the desired graduation of the drum U has been brought opposite the mark T1, and then the desired graduation of the drum V opposite the mark T, then they, length of the connecting rod L-L1 has been modifi-ed by the total quantity desired, thus imparting to the prism Q, an initial deviation corresponding to the altitude of Hight chosen and to the actual value of the Wind.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 19 to 23 inclusive, the instailation comprises a frame A, running by means of'rollers a on a circular rolling track A1.

A frame B is mounted so as to oscillate I by means of trunnions b Within bearings,

which are secured to the frame A and vvhich are arranged along its small axis and the cradle C is mounted so that it may oscillate within the frame B by means of trunnions c arranged along an axis perpendicular to that of the trunnions Zi-b.

The mechanism for turning the frame A upon the track A1 comprises a Worm sector A7 upon the frame A which sector is acted onby means of a wormAS, whose shank as is journalled in fixed bearings A and is actuated by a hand-wheel A1.

The inclination of the gun is effected by.

oscillation of the cradle C Within .the frame B, around the axis ofthe trunnions e. For

the variations of elevation, the frame B is Ilm llo

C about -the axis of the trunnions c, comv' prises an arm'C on the cradle C. This. arm C4 contains a spherical recess-c4 in which is engaged a spherical stud c5 formed as a projection. u on an arcuate slide-block C1',

uided in a s ideway of corresponding form 9 on the frame B. The slide-block C5 carries a second stud c`which is constantly maintained Within an arcuate slidewayy X having its centre on the geometrical axis of the trunnions b. The slideway X is guided by means of Atwo extensions X1 upon ribs m2 formed as projections upon levers X2 keyed upon a shaft X3 which is rotatably mounted within the support D-for the sighting apparatus E. One of the levers X2 car- .ries a worm sector with helical teeth X6 engagng with a worm X4, whose Shank is rotatably mounted in the support D and may be operated by a disc m4. The two levers X2 are .connected by a bridge m3 carrying'bearings in which there is rotatably mounted the shank of a worm X5 adapted to be operated by a member m5; this worm gears with a worm sector which is carried by the slideway X and which is concentric with the slideway m2. Upon the shaft X3 is keyed a toothed sector X7' (Fig. 23),` gearing with a toothed wheel 03 keyed on a shaft o? rotatably mounted in the supporting box D for the sighting apparatus; the wheel O8 gears, in its turn, with a toothed sector O4 loosely mounted upon a shaft o4 and rigidly connected to a slideway P2 oscillating around the said shaft and a second shaft o5 arranged in the prolongation of the lirst; Within the slideway P2 is engaged a finger P1 whose displacements actuate the movements of the reflecting entry prism Q of the sighting a'pparatus. 0

In the case when theaeroplane carriesl out its rectilinear horizontal flight ina vertical plane which does not pass through the target, the following operation should be carried out: the cradle and the gun being assumed to bemin the posi-tion indicated in Fig.'

20, where the plane through the vertical axis of the cannon is coincident with the plane of flight, then, in order to effect'the laying of the gun, the hand-Wheel 1s actuated, and this consequently operates the transmission X1- 6--XZ-2 which moves the slideway X so that it pivots about the shaftX3. In this movement, displacements are imparted to the studs 06 and 05 of the slide-block C5. Through the stud c5, the arm G1 of the cradle is itself displaced and this effects an oscillation of the whole of the gun and the cradle about the trunnions c. The gun-server continues to actuate the hand-wheel :c4 until he can see the target through the eye-piece of the telescope. The displacements of the cradle and of the telescope are effected simultaneously, the reflecting prism Q, being moved by the finger P1 which itself is actuated though the transmission P2-O4-O3-X7- 3. Thus, in sighting onI7 the target, the whole of the cradle and of the gun has been brought to the desired inclination corresponding to the devia-tion. Before firing, it remains to operate the elevating mechanism by means of a hand-Wheel A11. The desired elevation is given by means of thev transmission A12-A13-A14-B8. By effecting the elevation in thismanner the transverse inclination of the cradle C is corrected automatically by the oscillation about the trunnions c, caused by the action of they slideway X upon the stud o, the slide-block C5, the

stud c5 and the arm C4. In order to' take account of the correction of transverse inclination to be given to the gun corresponding to a wind of determined value, the

hand-Wheel x5 is actuated before firing, the' the slideway X, and consequently act upon the stud c6, the slide-block C5 and through the latter upon the arm C4 of the cradle.

It is understood that the sighting apparatus as in the-preceding examples, as Well as in those described in the- Patent No. 1,583,858 Will be provided with apparatus for the correction4 of the elevation and of the deviations due to the longitudinal action of the wind. This apparatus may comprise a camoid Z (Fig. 23) constituting the corrector of elevation and a camoid constituting the corrector for the longitudinal action of thc wind, and these correctors act autoniatically ,upon the reflecting prism of the sighting apparatus, in proportion as the gun-server operates the elevating mechanism; these two corrections are finally secured when after having given the desired elevation, the line of sight has been brought on to the target, by -means of the elevating mechanism.

Figure 24 is a partial plan of a modification of the c'onstructional form which has been just described. In this modification, the frame A may be given'an oscillating movement about its longitudinal axis; with this object this frame is arranged as two elements; the frame A Carr ing the trunnions L1-4 and two carriages .15 in which the trunnions -a11 are adapted to oscillate, a kinematic connect-ion being provided which allows the oscillation about the trunnions a1* but effects a rigid connection between A and A15 during the movements of rotation on the rolling tracks A1; this connection may cons1st,.for example, of a worm A16 journalled in one of the carriages A15 and which is in engagement with a worm sector A17 carried by the frame A. This possible mobility of the frame A with reference to the carriage A15 permits if required of giving to the cradle a complementary transverse inclination, With the object of introducing additional corrections.

While three embodiments of the present illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the drawings are for purposes of illustration only and are not designed as a definition of the limits of the invention, reference' being had for this purpose to the appended claims.

What is claimed isz- 1. In combina-tion with an aeroplane, a

' invention have been described in dctailand ing of the gun, a mount therefor, means for laying the un, sighting apparatus for the gun, means or transversely inclining said gun and sighting apparatus into an inclined plane passing through the line of movement of the gun and the target, and supplemental means interposed between said gun and seeond named means i'or correcting the laying of the gun, whereby correction 'for the Hight anda target, and supplemental means ,interposed between said gun and second named means for applying the necessary correction to theinclination of the gun to take into account the deviation due to the distance from the target of the vertical plano through the line of Hight, said supplemental means including correction means for varying the inclination of the gun in correlation with elevating movement of the gun.

3. An aeroplane gun mounting for laying a gun when the target lies in a plane at a distance from the vertical plane through the line of flight comprising, incombination with a gun, gun laying means, sighting apparatus lfor thev gun, means orienting sai-d gun and sighting apparatus during Hight into the inclined plane passing through the line of Hight and the target, and supplemental means in" terposed between said gun and second named means and automatically operating upon orienting of the gun 'for correcting the lay- Uun to take account of the inclination of said apparatus due to the distance of the target from the vertical plane through the line of flight. y

4.' In combination, an aeroplane, a frame mounted thereon for movement about a vertical axis, a second frame mounted in the first frame for movement about a horizontal axis, a cradle carried by the second frame, a gun carried by the cradle, sighting apparatus for the gun including an entry prism, means operatively connected to said cradle and moving said prism inv correlation with the gun to provide an angle of elevation, means mov ing said second frame about its axis thereby imparting an angle of deviation to said gun and sighting apparatus, supplemental means interposed between said gun and last .named means giving said second frame and cradle a transverse correction of inclination corresponding to said a le of deviation, said supplemental means including means for varying the transverse displacement of said second frame and cradle for each displacement elevation.

6. Apparatus of the class described, lconiof the sighting apparatus and gun in elevation. ,f

5. In combination with an aeroplane, a gun mounted thereon, training and elevating means for the gun, sighting apparatus for the gun, means orienting said gun and sighting apparatus into the inclined plane passing through the line of Hight and a target 1oprising, in combination with an aeroplane, a frame, a lcradle `and a gun mounted therein, sighting mechanism, a support therefor, an

gun is moved in` arm having a trunnion operatively connecting the support to said frame, means for moving the arm and'cradlesimultaneously through an angle of deviation, a graph' for indicating the angle through which said support and gun. have been moved, means for giving the cradle a transverse correction of inclination corresponding to the angle of deviation of the sighting apparatus, and a ball and socket connection between sadlast named means and said arm, the inclination given to said cradlebringing the trunnions of the latter out of line with the trunnion on said arm and thereby effecting a transverse displaeementof the cradle for each displacement of the sighting apparatus.

7. In combination with an aeroplane, a frame carried ythereby and movable about a vertical axis, a second frame carried by the first frame and movable about a horizontal axis, a cradle carried b the second frame for pivotal movement a out a second horizontal axis normal to the first horizontal axis, a gun carried in said cradle, sighting apparatus for the gun, means for rotating said second frame, cradle, gun and apparatus as a unit, and means interposed between l'said first named means and said second frame for moving said second frame, cradle and gun independently of said apparatus.

8. In combination with an aeroplane, a

frame mounted thereon for movement about 9. An aeroplane gun mount comprising, in combination with a gun, means mounting the gun for universal movement, sighting apparatus including a reecting prism opera- 5 tively connected with the gun to maintain a proper angle of elevation, supplemental laying means for transversely inclining the gun said gun and prism simultaneously.

speciication.

EUGENE SCHNEIDER.

through an angle of deviation independently of said prism, and means acting through said first named means for transversely inclining In testimony whereof I have signed this 

